For modern car owners and DIY enthusiasts, an OBD2 scan tool is an indispensable part of vehicle maintenance. These tools allow you to understand your car’s health by reading diagnostic trouble codes and accessing vehicle data. While budget-friendly Bluetooth ELM327 dongles paired with smartphone apps are readily available, their capabilities are often limited to basic OBDII functions. For car owners needing to delve deeper into vehicle diagnostics and access systems beyond standard OBDII, a more advanced scan tool is necessary. This is particularly true if you want to read non-OBDII systems for features like accurate oil level readings or to perform more complex maintenance tasks.
Understanding the Limitations of Basic OBD2 Scanners
Inexpensive ELM327-based scanners are designed primarily to interface with OBDII systems for emissions-related diagnostics. They typically cannot access proprietary vehicle networks or read data outside of the standardized OBDII parameters. Therefore, relying solely on these basic tools will not suffice if you need to perform comprehensive diagnostics or access features like oil level sensors, which are often not part of the OBDII data stream.
Autel DiagLink: Advanced Single-Brand Diagnostics on a Budget
For those seeking enhanced diagnostic capabilities for a specific car brand, the Autel DiagLink presents a cost-effective solution. Priced in the $90-$100 range, this tool offers advanced, brand-specific diagnostics. The DiagLink comes with software for one vehicle brand, enabling users to perform functions such as resetting oil change lights, putting electric parking brakes into service position, and accessing other non-OBDII systems. While limited to a single brand initially, the option to purchase additional brand software makes it a scalable option for brand-focused users.
Autel MD806: Versatile Multi-Brand Diagnostics for Wider Coverage
If you require diagnostic coverage across multiple vehicle brands, the Autel MD806 emerges as a highly recommended and versatile option. Available for around $200, the MD806 supports diagnostics for numerous car manufacturers without the need for separate software downloads per brand. Often considered a step up in capability while remaining accessible in price, the MD806 provides comprehensive diagnostic features and typically includes free lifetime software updates. This makes it an excellent value proposition for DIY mechanics and car enthusiasts who work on various vehicles and need a reliable, multi-faceted diagnostic tool.
Conclusion: Investing in the Right OBD2 Scan Tool for Your Needs
Choosing the “Best Obd2 Scan Tool 2018” or for any year depends heavily on your specific diagnostic requirements. For simple OBDII code reading, a basic scanner might be adequate. However, for in-depth diagnostics, accessing non-OBDII systems, and performing advanced maintenance procedures, investing in tools like the Autel DiagLink or MD806 is highly recommended. These tools offer significantly expanded capabilities and represent a worthwhile investment for those serious about vehicle maintenance and diagnostics.
